Beef pho soup

Vietnamese beef pho soup

This popular noodle soup connects you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. It brings together a spiced broth, tender beef, and soft rice noodles. The warmth of the soup, combined with the vibrant freshness of the herbs, creates a comforting yet dynamic dinner option. Each bowl tells a story of tradition and flavour, inviting you to savour the richness of Vietnamese cuisine in every spoonful. Our recipe captures the essence of this beloved dish, making it simple to prepare at home. With just a few key ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a bowl of pho that rivals the street vendors of Hanoi.

Spiced broth with tender meat and soft rice noodles

The appeal of beef pho soup is deeply rooted in its rich, aromatic, and carefully spiced broth. Slowly simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, the broth develops a deep and rich flavour. The beef, simmered to tenderness, melts into the broth, giving it body and warmth. Soft rice noodles soak up every bit of this tasty liquid, providing a delicate texture that balances the richness of the meat and the boldness of the spices.

Try other soups from around the world, such as French onion soup, Hungarian goulash soup, Japanese miso soup, Thai tom yum soup, Italian minestrone, or Indian mulligatawny soup.

Wonderful aromas from cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves

As the broth simmers, it fills the kitchen with the enchanting aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These spices create a warming and inviting fragrance, adding depth to the broth without overpowering the other ingredients. Cinnamon lends a gentle sweetness, cardamom offers a hint of citrus, while cloves provide a subtle, earthy warmth. These spices transform the broth into a richly flavoured base that supports the tender beef and delicate noodles. The result is a soup that tantalises the senses even before you take the first bite.

Topped with onion, chilli, coriander, and lime

The finishing touches of fresh onion, chilli, coriander, and lime bring brightness to the pho. Thin slices of white onion add a delicate crunch, while fresh chilli offers a lively heat that you can adjust to suit your taste. A handful of fresh mint, coriander leaves, or Thai basil provides a fragrant, herbal note that complements the rich broth. The final squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick, cutting through the richness of the beef and spices with a fresh citrus twist.

Authentic street food at its best

Beef pho soup represents the very best of Vietnamese street food culture. It is widely considered the national dish of Vietnam, and originating from humble beginnings, it has become a beloved staple. While traditionally served by street vendors in Vietnam, it has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious and comforting qualities. Our recipe brings this street food classic into your home, allowing you to recreate the flavours that have been cherished for generations.

Add your own flair to the recipe

While the traditional recipe is a thing of beauty, there are many ways to make it your own. You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chilli or sriracha depending on your taste, or experiment with different types of chillis. Do not hesitate to vary the beef cuts, too; thin slices of beef brisket or even oxtail can bring a distinct texture to the soup.

For the broth, you might want to add star anise for an extra flavour or even a dash of soy sauce. If you are feeling adventurous and want to stray off the traditional Vietnamese path, add mushrooms or other vegetables like red pepper or carrot in thin slices, bean sprouts, or edamame beans.